The Frenchman was on the verge of joining Rafa Benitez at Napoli, but Spurs are now going to pull the plug on any deal.

Capoue joined Spurs back in the summer with a £9million switch from Toulouse, and has made just 8 league appearances for the London club. With the Frenchman struggling to gain a regular place in the White Hart Lane starting eleven, Benitez was ready to make Capoue a new addition to his title-challenging Napoli side.

Napoli are 10 points off Serie A leaders Juventus, who are aiming for their third straight league title. And with Europa League commitments to now focus on, Benitez wants to add to his midfield force.

Capoue, along with Lamela and Chadli, has struggled to make a significant impact for Tottenham since joining in the summer, leading to Napoli showing interest at bringing his Spurs career to a quick end.

However Tottenham boss Tim Sherwood is ready to give the Frenchman a chance to prove himself at White Hart Lane, as the club look to finish in the top 4 of the Premier League and earn a place in next season’s Champions League.